Word Origin & History

polite 1263, from L. politus "refined, elegant," lit. "polished," pp. of polire "to polish, to make smooth." Used literally at first in Eng.; sense of "elegant, cultured" is first recorded 1501, that of "behaving courteously" is 1762.

Example Sentences for politeness

You'd better not tell him so, or he might give you a lesson in politeness.

"Don't let me detain you," said Halbert, with an elaborate share of politeness.

He was as indefatigable in politeness, as his wife had been in her regimental duties.

But Mr. Hand, flattered by her politeness, begged her to remain.

How you oppress me, my dearest friend, with your politeness!

Neither is politeness at all inconsistent with thorough familiarity.

And it is necessary that you should receive them without airs, and with politeness.

Politeness and little gallantries are inseparable from my character.

Now that's politeness that does not trouble me—that's not for show—that's for us, not himself, mark!

Tom little thought how much consideration and politeness he had shown!